DeKalb man faces child sex charges

SYCAMORE – A DeKalb man appeared in court Friday on charges of having sex with a minor family member.

Jaime J. Ramos, 38, of the 200 block of South Seventh Street in DeKalb, was charged with criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a child, indecent solicitation of a child and child pornography.

Ramos could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted of either the criminal sexual assault, indecent solicitation of a child or child pornography charges. He appeared in court Friday via closed-circuit TV from the DeKalb County Jail.

According to court documents, Ramos solicited and engaged in sex acts with a female family member between the ages of 14 and 17, and committed lewd acts in front of her. He also is charged with taking pornographic photos of another girl younger than 18.

DeKalb police Lt. Jason Leverton said police began investigating Ramos about four months ago when they were notified of the relationship the female family member had with him. Leverton said the contact began last year and continued until police were contacted.

He said police regarded it as a grooming situation between Ramos and the girl.

A search warrant of Ramos’ home and computer yielded pornographic images, some of people he knew, including children, Leverton said. More than one underage girl was identified, but he said police don’t know the exact number involved.

Investigators don’t believe there are other victims, Leverton said.

After a warrant was issued Thursday with bond set at $200,000, Ramos was arrested at his home. He will appear in court again Wednesday on a motion to reduce his bond.